The Settlers, An Axe of Iron Novel

by J.A. Hunsinger

THE SETTLERS is a tale about a medieval people whose lives are surprisingly like ours. They have the same basic desires for happiness, love, food, and shelter that has dominated the thoughts of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0980160103
• ISBN13: 9780980160109
• Release Date: April 2013
• Publisher: Vinland Publishing
• Length: 402 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Hunsinger sings a legendary saga!

A full millennium before the current time and half that period before Columbus sailed for North America, Norsemen had established settlements on that continent, then vanished. "Axe of Iron; The Settlers," by J.A. Hunsinger, is the first of six historical novels that tell the story of one such band that ventured forth from Greenland and settled in the southern regions of what is now Hudson Bay in Canada. This band has left the Norse settlements of Iceland and Greenland because the climate and soil of those lands were far too harsh and marginal to support their burgeoning population, as were those of their homelands in Scandinavia. Their quest initially follows the paths of the well-known Tenth Century explorers, Eric the Red and Leif Ericsson, but bad weather forces them to alter their course into previously unexplored lands. Their exploration leads them to what appears to be a nearly ideal location on the coast of modern day James Bay and they settle into the grueling work to establish their settlement and to prepare for the harsh winter ahead. Knowing fully well that earlier expeditions had suffered from conflicts with the native tribes of the coastal regions, the leader of this band determines that they might better succeed by establishing respectful and cooperative trading relationships with these natives than to attempt naked conquest. Conflict inevitably arises and the settlers must maintain constant vigilance against attack. Domestic matters make things even worse due to a need for more marriageable women in what is mostly a male warrior band. Will this colony endure its birth pangs and survive to grow and prosper? Can these pioneers adapt to the hardships of their new life? Author Hunsinger weaves his story line into a magnificently researched and crafted literary work that takes us into the lives of these Medieval Norse, whose culture has brought them to the leading edge of Iron Age Technology. His writing paints the details of their skills as sailors and watermen, farmers and trades people. A prime example of their ability to convert raw materials into essential products is their blacksmithing. Using bog iron from the muskeg swamps and charcoal from the forests, they are able to manufacture steel for weapons, armor and tools. This technological advantage along with their warrior skills might balance the numerical inferiority they suffer against the native peoples. The saga of these Norse lasts for over four hundred years and ends in the mystery of their disappearance. Throughout "The Settlers," Hunsinger strives in historical fiction to document their struggle for survival. In doing so, he draws striking parallels with our present world. It is obvious that the volume of detailed onsite research Mr. Hunsinger has invested in this project far outweighs that of this volume and of those to follow. I have been personally interested in the factual and legendary tale of the Norse in America for many years and I be

Axe of Iron: The Settlers

In his novel, Axe of Iron, author J.A. Hunsinger takes readers back to the year 1008 and tells a Viking tale of exploration and adventure. The story centers on two Northmen explorers, Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, who lead an expedition to explore and establish a settlement along the coast of North America. Their journey takes them from Greenland to what is now known as Baffin Island, Canada, and then entering Hudson Bay, via the Hudson Strait. Their voyage terminated on the east coast of James Bay, at the extreme south end of Hudson Bay, where the settlement, Halfdansfjord, was built. The plot of the story concentrates on the trials and tribulations facing the settlers as they try to make a life in the new world. The journey is filled with many deadly challenges such as the brutal force of nature, encounters with the native peoples of North America, as well as social struggles among the settlers. Themes that develop include: the role of family and women, loyalty, betrayal, slavery, religious practices, as well as learning to work with the Native peoples instead of fighting them As historical fiction, the author successfully captures a glimpse of the life of the Norsemen. It becomes quite clear that a great deal of research went into creating the story. The attention to detail is quite remarkable. That is, the author's descriptions of Norse ships, Norse customs, dress, the day to day struggles to survive that include hunting techniques, food preparation, weapons, and tools. As well, Hunsinger provides a detailed historical perspective of the time period, a glossary, and a map to assist readers in following the journey. The author clearly shows his knowledge and expertise on the subject. For readers who enjoy the historical fiction genre, Axe of Iron is a must-have. The descriptive writing makes you feel as though you are a part of the journey. The novel is an entertaining story that will give readers an appreciation of the brutal life endured by the Norsemen. Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Adventure-packed History Lesson

It's the details that grab the reader's attention in J. A. Hunsinger's historical novel, Axe of Iron: The Settlers. The book is the first installment in a planned series of stories about the migration of Norsemen Greenlanders to North America. From the introduction, which provides background information, to the brutal ending, Hunsinger uses his extensive knowledge of the history and culture of Norsemen to craft a story that exposes the lives of an ancient people with an admirable sense of adventure and value for community. In the spring of 1008, three hundred and fifteen Greenlanders and Icelanders board a fleet of six ships and leave Greenland for North America. Halfdan Ingolfsson is the chieftain on this expedition and Gudbjartur (Gudbj) Einarsson is his dedicated second-in-command. There are men, women, and children on these ships, as well as a variety of livestock and supplies. The leaders of this expedition are known champions of their people, warriors who will furiously fight against outside enemies and just as strongly mete out justice on their own people when deemed necessary. The destination is Leisfsbudir, Vinland. It is an area that has already been explored and settled, but not without problems. Early on in the journey, Halfden desires a change of plans because of the trouble previous settlers from Greenland have had with the natives they call Skraelings. The Norsemen that came before this group were harsh in their dealings with the natives. Halfdan plans a different approach: "The key to our attempt at settlement here, and the only chance of success we will have, is to settle where the Skraelings do not live. When first contact is finally made, as it will be eventually, they will be treated fairly." The group heads to Snorrisfjord and ultimately settles on land they name Halfdansfjord. Hunsinger teaches with the details that he infuses into this story. The reader will learn what the Norsemen ate; how they set-up temporary camps and permanent residents; how they conducted themselves in battle; and the manner in which men and women fell into intimate relationships. The importance of respect and loyalty in the culture is represented by the relationship between Halfdan and Gudj. Their bond is stronger than that often seen between blood brothers. There is an intense trust between them that provides the level of security needed to lead their followers while exploring a new land, surviving severe storms at sea, and battling against natives. The love and admiration between the two men is so overwhelming it frequently makes Gudbj uncomfortable. But their feelings for each other do not diminish them as men. Halfdan and Gudbj are secure in their masculinity and, as a result, are not intimidated by the strength of their women who work as hard and love as strongly as they do. Axe of Iron: The Settlers is a hearty, adventure-packed history lesson. I highly recommend it.

Excellent Historical fiction

Halfdan Ingolfsson is a brave, intelligent leader of men. His second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson is loyal, invaluable and ruthless. He does what must be done. The two men lead a group of Greenlanders, sometime between the year 997 and 1003, to a new and exciting land. A land filled with game, fish, fresh vegetation and North American natives. Can the two men discover the perfect home for this diversified group of men, women and children? Will Halfdan decide to take a wife from amongst the women traveling with them? How will they coexist with the natives? Author, J. A. Hunsinger is an expert in the mores and customs of the Northmen, the Vikings and the Norse in general. His research is beyond reproach and he provides an educational, yet attention getting plot. The characters are believable, filled with faults and foibles, most realistic. The descriptions of ancient North American shores are vivid, and in depth. Readers can picture the landscape, the animals and the settlement of the settlers. The use of fiction to develop a story around a most informative history lesson is a talent, and this author definitely excels here. The book is filled with technical descriptions of tools, ships and interesting facts of their day-to-day existence. Sometimes brutal and violent, their lives were filled with adventure. The pagan customs and the mix of early Christianity are well explained in fictitious settings. As one who has visited L'Anse-aux-Meadows in Newfoundland's northern tip, I found this book very interesting, exciting and a great read. Perhaps this was the land of Halfdan and Freda? I look forward to the rest of the series. Highly recommended by Reviewer: Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review.

Hunsinger is Descriptive, Exciting and

Axe of Iron: The Settlers, is a thrilling Norse adventure. Hunsinger shows his knowledge of history and specifically the Norse in North America. It was exciting to follow Halfdan Ingolfsson as he and over 300 adventurers explored new lands! Every turn of the page brought a new experience filled with extremely accurate portrayals of the challenging life these people led. It was interesting to learn about daily Viking life and to debate Hunsinger's ideas on what happened to these people that have been lost to history. I recommend this book to anyone with a passion for any type of history. It speaks volumes about how man must learn to live with nature or risk being conquered!